Add to the mix the revamped bar/restaurant in the renamed Tomboy Tavern, will open later this month; that the resort has partnered with Hotel Madeleine, as its and that we’re six days away from Telluride’s third consecutive year as the host resort for the Snowboard World Cup, coming December 14-17, and it’s obvious that winter is here.
Bon Vivant to Give a French Flair to On-Mountain Dining
With its spectacular location and fine-dining atmosphere, Telluride’s boutique on-mountain, Italian-themed restaurant Alpino Vino has enjoyed rave reviews from resort visitors since it opened in 2009.
This winter, guests will be able to experience more of that European style in on-mountain dining with the unveiling of Alpino Vino’s French cousin, Bon Vivant.
“The inspiration there is French comfort foods,” says TSG CEO Dave Riley, noting that the menu will feature quiches, crêpes, soups and salads; and, of course, “a fantastic wine list.”
Bon Vivant will make the most of its eye-popping location at the gateway to Prospect Bowl, with a 1,500 square-foot deck and outdoor umbrella bar situated at the apex of the Polar Queen lift (Chair 5.) Similar to the European-style umbrella that towers above the patio at Tomboy Tavern (previously the Hop Garden) in the Mountain Village base area, Bon Vivant will showcase an even larger umbrella, 38 feet in diameter, from Austria.
Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the restaurant’s sole building, a 1,000-square-foot cabin housing a small kitchen, and men’s and women’s restrooms outfitted with high-end finishes. Riley says the ultimate plan for this location is to add two more structures – a restaurant and larger kitchen – and enlarge the deck.
“We believe the culinary experience that we create will be big part of the overall Telluride brand, so we’re willing to do it in slightly different way than most other North American ski resorts,” Riley says.
Bon Vivant is slated to open later in the season.
The Core gets (Another) Dining-And-Retail Facelift
“The reason for doing the retail is to help complete the experience,” Riley says of the company’s latest push to enliven the Mountain Village base area, with this season’s opening of three more TSG-owned-and- operated retail stores.
Heritage Apparel will carry high-end clothing and accessories for men and women; Mountain Standard Time will be a timepiece and watch boutique and Alpenglow Beauty will be the destination’s first true cosmetics retailer, providing upwards of a dozen different well-known cosmetics lines. The space will also feature two treatment rooms for facials and other day spa treatments.
A vibrant ambiance “is what people expect when they come to a first-class destination resort,” Riley explains. “The retail shopping experience is really key to that.”
The three new stores bump the total number of TSG retailers in the Core up to eight, with the Resort Store, Telluride Naturals, Gold Hill Gallery, EcoAdventures, and the Swanky Buckle.
Additionally, the erstwhile Hop Garden has been rebranded as Tomboy Tavern, and embellished with reclaimed barnwood, leather booths and a large handmade zinc bar centerpiece The bar and restaurant is in the midst of a full remodel, as the interior nearly doubles in size and crews work towards a near-Christmas opening.
The umbrella bar and outdoor patio will be open, however, with table service from Crazy Elk Pizza.
The Resort has also partnered with Mountain Village Plaza hotel the Hotel Madeline, as its Official Hotel. In so doing the two entities have joined forces for marketing, and TSG’s central reservation’s office (Telluride Resort Lodging) will add Hotel Madeline to its repertoire.
I can see how having a watch store is pretty important, too. Just yesterday I left my top of the line Casio (the 5 button model with the light and integral plastic wrist ban) off and surely, if I knew about the new Heritage Plaza watch store, would have zipped in for a new piece.
One thing I do hear grumbling about is why no snow-making is occurring on lifts into town. Now with this new snow the question begs to be answered. When will the town be supported by an open ski lift? This makes sense. Everyone can see we need a vibrant Heritage Plaza with a Buckle Store, a Timepiece store and I think most people would agree that the lifts on public lands should be open to support the Town of Telluride. It may not be universally supported like the retail experience but zipping into town on a trail would sure help the retailers in town.
Thanks for all the improvements! Jumping in the shower now and off to the hill. This time I am leaving both my watch and my belt off!